Simon Cowell change the UK X Factor age range for 2012

Simon Cowell has reportedly changed the age limits for this year’s categories in a bit to include more older singers in the show.

The main change will be moving from an Over 25s to Over 28s category that will allow more talented singers in their twenties to make the live shows.

Last year’s series saw some of the youngest contestants yet, despite a lower age limit of 16.

A source explained: “Lots of girls and boys in their late twenties auditioned lastyear but there was no room for them because the Over-25s category had to have the quirky older ones in it to make it work.

“The show basically snookered itself, so Simon has decided to make the change. And this year there are again loads of amazing performers who are older than 25 but younger than 28.”

The supposed insider added to The Sun: “There is no way show bosses will make the same mistake again, so the age limits have changed.

“This year’s show is now shaping up to be one of the best ever.”

In 2010, guest judge Nicole Scherzinger – who this year joins the show as a full time judge – suggested moving the age limit from the Over 25s to Over 28s.

The change however was dropped after just the one series last year.